Arts by the Sea
Bournemouth's premier cultural festival celebrating arts, performance, and creativity against the stunning backdrop of our beautiful seafront.
About the Festival
Arts by the Sea transforms Bournemouth's seafront into a vibrant cultural destination, featuring world-class performances, cutting-edge contemporary art, and participatory events that engage audiences of all ages.
From spectacular outdoor performances to intimate gallery exhibitions, the festival showcases the best of local, national, and international talent in a uniquely beautiful setting.
Past Highlights
Memorable moments from previous festivals
- • Spectacular outdoor performances
- • International artist collaborations
- • Community art projects
- • Beach-based installations
Festival Features
What makes Arts by the Sea special
- • Unique seafront location
- • Free and ticketed events
- • Family-friendly programming
- • Local and international acts
Festival Origins
Arts by the Sea was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to harness Bournemouth's stunning coastal location as a canvas for artistic expression. The festival emerged from a recognition that the town's seven miles of golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and Victorian architecture provided not just a backdrop, but an integral element of cultural experience.
Founded by local artists and cultural advocates, the festival set out to challenge traditional notions of where and how art should be experienced. Rather than confining performances to conventional venues, Arts by the Sea reimagined public spaces as stages, turning the seafront promenade into an outdoor gallery and the beach itself into a performance venue. This pioneering approach democratised access to the arts, ensuring that culture was available to everyone, from residents to holidaymakers.
Over the years, Arts by the Sea has evolved into one of Dorset's most significant cultural events, establishing Bournemouth as a leading destination for coastal arts festivals in the UK. The festival has maintained its commitment to site-specific work, commissioning artists to create pieces that respond directly to the unique character of Bournemouth's seaside environment. This distinctive approach has attracted international attention and drawn visitors from around the world.
Community Impact
Arts by the Sea is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Bournemouth community. Beyond providing entertainment, the festival serves as a vital platform for community engagement, education, and social cohesion. We work closely with schools, youth groups, care homes, and community organisations to ensure that the arts are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance.
Our participatory programmes invite residents to become active creators rather than passive consumers of culture. From community choir performances on the seafront to collaborative art installations created with local schools, Arts by the Sea fosters pride in place and strengthens community bonds. The festival has become a focal point for civic celebration, bringing together diverse communities through shared cultural experiences.
The economic impact is equally significant. The festival attracts thousands of visitors to Bournemouth during the autumn season, supporting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. It has played a key role in extending the tourist season beyond summer and positioning Bournemouth as a year-round cultural destination on the south coast.
What People Say
"Arts by the Sea transforms Bournemouth into something magical. The combination of world-class performances and our stunning seafront creates experiences you simply can't find anywhere else."
— Sarah Mitchell
Local Resident
"As a performer, Arts by the Sea offers unique opportunities to create work that responds to the environment. The audience engagement is incredible."
— James Chen
Theatre Artist
"We bring our children every year. It's wonderful to see them experience art in such an accessible, joyful way. The festival brings our community together."
— The Patel Family
Festival Attendees
"Arts by the Sea has put Bournemouth on the map as a serious cultural destination. The quality and ambition of the programme rivals any major city festival."
— Dr. Emma Richardson
Arts Critic
Festival Gallery
Ophelia's Ghost
Beach Performance
Caroline Bergvall: Drift
Multimedia Performance
Poppy Fields
Physical Theatre
Featured Past Events
Explore our archive of past Arts by the Sea events and performances, featuring beach performances, multimedia installations, and physical theatre showcasing local and international artists.